…Says Chief Justice; Speaks on Other Issues Affecting Judiciary & Personal Matters

By Alaskai Moore Johnson, alaskaijohnson@gmail.com +231777889870 / +231886631025

IPNEWS – Monrovia: Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor of the Supreme Court of Liberia, have said after his retirement, he will go to his private life and not to seek elective or public office.

The Chief Justice made the statement as a result of speculations that he wants to be the running mate to President George Manneh Weah in the upcoming 2023 Presidential and General Elections.

He also stated, “For about two years now there has been a systemic pattern of vicious verbal attacks directed at me to besmear me. Until now, I have ignored all such attacks and remained silent. But when the lies, speculations and innuendos reach a point to have the propensity of affecting the credibility of the institution I head, then it becomes necessary that I speak. So, let me today comment on a few of the lies for the benefit of the public.”

Chief Justice Korkpor went far to even described Liberians who according to him, are engaged in such “lies” against him, as being “unpatriotic!” “Some Liberians even go as far as calling on foreign governments and international organizations not to provide needed support to their public institutions,” he added.

Addressing judges, lawyers, and others at the opening ceremony of the March Term of Court, on Monday, March 8, Chief Justice Korkpor further stated that he was for the first time he has never had talks with the President, his political party or any other person or political party concerning such political ambition.

Chief Justice Korkpor, who is the head of the Judiciary, added: And if, in the even such offer is made, I will respectfully decline. I want Liberians to know that I have no particular penchant for power or wealth; mine is service to my country. God and the people of this nation have honored me with public service for which I am extremely grateful.”

He vowed that when he retires from the Court on September 5, 2022, “I will go into private life and will seek no elective office. I will serve my community and Church.”

Reports of Him & Family Being Denied US Visa

Further in his address, the Chief Justice, for the first time, publicly touched on the rumors that he and his family were once denied visa and/or banned from traveling to the United States of America. This rumor has been circulating for quite a while now in the public. When he touched on it, he wondered “Where does this come from?”

Chief Justice Korkpor didn’t categorically deny nor affirm that the rumors are untrue. This is what he said, however, “It was reported that I was denied visa to travel to the United States and that my entire family and I have been banned from travelling to the USA. Now, where does this come from? A fellow, supposedly the head of a Transitional Justice group in Liberia who claims to be my own nephew went on the radio and stated emphatically that he knows this to be true. Let me say that I don’t know this fellow to be my relative. But this is yet another classic example how far a man can stoop to castigate and demean another man.”

Actions Taken Against Judicial Officers

On some of things in the previous term of court (October Term), the head of the Judiciary informed his audience, most of whom participated via zoom because of health protocols, that during the October 2020 Term of Court, the Supreme Court heard and decided 32 cases.

According to him, amongst them were cases emanating from the Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC) and the Grievance and Ethics Committee (GEC) in which complaints of ethical and professional misconducts were filed against some judges and lawyers.

Justice Korkpor asserted that when those cases, especially ones on the conducts of judicial officials, reached the Supreme Court, they established that the conducts of these judges and lawyers were so “outrages” [outrageous].

The Chief Justice named those suspended to include Judge Peter G. Massey of the Debt Court in Rivercess County. He was suspended for one calendar year without salaries, benefits, and other emoluments. Atty. Joseph Sackor Doe was suspended from the practice of law directly and indirectly for one year.

The Chief Justice mentioned that it was not the first time for the High Court to take actions against judges and lawyers for misconduct and unethical behavior.

He provided this vital piece of information as it relates to what they do before taking actions in such matters. “However, in all cases, before appropriate actions taken, a formal complaint is filed, the accused judicial actor is furnished with a copy, investigation is conducted by the body responsible and hearings are conducted by the Supreme Court as the last step before penalties are imposed. this is necessary to accord the accused judicial actors the cardinal principle of due process.”

Election Cases

Touching on matters that were brought before the Full Bench concerning the December 2020 Special Senatorial Election, By-election and Referendum, the Chief Justice disclosed: “It was necessary that we remained opened as long as possible to hear and decide cases emanating from the special Senatorial and Referendum Elections conducted on December 8, 2020. Election cases are time bound; we heard and decided all election cases brought before us before closing.”

Because they had to stay to decide on matters that rose from the election, the Chief Justice said Justices of the Court didn’t take their usual break. “To work without respite is not healthy, especially for the members of this Court who are all well above ‘three scores.’ I am therefore hoping that during this March Term (which is a longer Term), we can find the appropriate time to allow Justices to take a break for about two weeks.”

Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe’s Response

Responding to some of the remarks made by the Chief Justice, the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) President, Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe said some members of the LNBA have been complaining that the hearing of cases at the Supreme Court are delayed; adding that there have been many cases heard but not disposed by the Court.

“We applaud this Court for punishing lawyers and judges who fail to uphold the dignity of the legal profession as lawyers and judges. This is the only way to promote public confidence in the legal profession.”

He urged his colleagues, particularly lawyers, “both in the bar and on the bench, to conduct themselves in ways that will maintain the dignity of the profession and stimulate the highest degree of respect for the legal professional in Liberia and abroad.”

Cllr. Gongloe noted that the High Court must necessarily lead the lower courts by example, except for election cases.

He suggested that the Full Beach makes decisions on all cases that are heard, before proceeding to hear new ones.

The LNBA President urged the Chief Justice to remain focused on the performance of his duty as head, consistent with the constitution of Liberia and that he it is not “unique” in the regards of the “lies.”